Dear John,
I’m just getting home after an inspiring day!
Today, I participated in the Maine Climate Council’s meeting marking the 2-year anniversary of Maine’s Climate Action Plan: Maine Won’t Wait at Colby College.
I was honored to join Governor Mills, the Governor’s Office of Policy Innovation and the Future, and fellow Maine Climate Council members for a dynamic conversation about the incredible strides Maine is making to tackle the effects of climate change, reduce our dependence on costly foreign oil, and build the state’s clean energy economy. Beginning today, you can see that progress on the Climate Council’s new online dashboard which includes an interactive map showing where the Plan has gained ground toward its ambitious goals. The Governor’s Office of Policy Innovation and the Future also launched a written report further detailing the Plan’s progress.
Grounded in science and community, the Maine Climate Council launched an ambitious four-year plan two years ago today to reduce emissions, prepare for climate change impacts, and strengthen Maine communities. The collaborative process set Maine apart, and the resulting ambitious, specific, and equitable plan has positioned our state as a climate action leader. This year, Maine’s plan was recognized as a leading example nationwide.
The Climate Action Plan includes bold goals to:
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Achieve state carbon neutrality by 2045;
- Incentivize cleaner technologies including electric vehicles, heat pumps, and properly-sited renewable power generation;
- Increase the total acreage of conserved lands in Maine to 30% by 2030; and
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Ensure that Maine’s climate strategies benefit all Maine people.
The Mills Administration continues to demonstrate the commitment and leadership needed to make progress. Through climate bills forwarded in the state legislature; federal funding to cut emissions and advance renewable energy through legislation including the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act; and local actions supported by the Community Resilience Partnership, progress toward developing a more sustainable clean energy economy and healthier communities has been steady. In year two, the Climate Council’s focus has been on equitable implementation of Maine Won’t Wait, and the Equity Subcommittee will finalize its interim recommendations in January.
While there is much more work to be done, today is a day to pause and celebrate the path we are on in Maine to move toward a sustainable clean energy economy, and to ensure healthy, resilient, and equitable communities.
As I continue to reflect on this day, I want to share my gratitude to you, our allies, members, and supporters, for being partners in this work to push for climate action in our state.
We are stronger together. Let’s continue embracing our Dirigo motto and keep up the momentum!
Kathleen Meil
Director of Policy & Partnerships
